Missourians compete at U.S. Track and Field Trials

Former Central Missouri State track standout Kristin Anderson finished seventh in her semifinal heat in the 3,000 meter steeplechase at the U.S. Olympic Trials Monday night in Eugene, Oregon at the Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon.

Anderson’s time of 9:59.62 was 13 th overall in the preliminary round but the time was good enough to qualify her for the finals on Thursday night at 11:45 CDT. Fans can watch the trials on the USA network from 10:00 p.m. to midnight central time as well.

The 2008 Olympic dream ended Monday for former Southeast Missouri State sprinter Miles Smith who placed 12th in the 400-meters at the Olympic trials. Only the top eight advance to Thursday’s finals and a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Smith, running in a heat filled with Olympians from the 2004 USA team, finished sixth in his heat with a time of 46.32. The heat was won by Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Wariner who timed 44.66.